Building Safety Month: Built to Last!
Throughout the month of May, the Department of Permitting Services will participate in the annual Building Safety Month, a campaign presented by the International Code Council (its members and partners) to promote building safety. This year’s campaign theme, “Built to Last,” encourages people to get involved in all aspects of building safety and raise awareness of its importance. This campaign reinforces the need to adopt modern, regularly updated building codes and helps individuals, families, and businesses understand what it takes to build safe, sustainable structures.
Free residential deck maintenance inspections
As part of the annual Building Safety Month campaign, DPS offers free residential deck maintenance safety inspections in Montgomery County in May. To make an appointment, contact MC 311 or 240-777-0311 beginning on Friday, May 1, or submit an online service request. DPS is using the online service request (complaint) form to process the requests. Please include your name (cannot be anonymous), address, contact information, and note in the description field that you are requesting a free, residential deck maintenance inspection. The program is limited to the first 300 appointments, and properties inspected last year as part of this service are not eligible.
Homeowners can find more information about the permitting and inspection process for residential decks on the DPS website, including a deck maintenance checklist. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. Remember, DPS is Your Project Partner!
Local Resources
- Building Safety - Fire Department Access Podcast ( Video)
- Permits, Pools and Safety Podcast ( Video)
- Fire Code Compliance Video
- Check Your Deck Video
- Home Improvements and Permits Podcast and Video
- Guide to Building Permits and Home Improvements ( en Espanol)
- Commercial Building Safety Podcast and Video
- Check Your Deck: DPS Podcast Episode (Audio only)
- Deck Maintenance Inspection Guidelines (En Espanol)
- Fire Pit Guidance for Single Family Homes and Townhomes
- Fire Pit Guidance for Multi-Family Housing
News and Information
- COMING SOON
Week 1: Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1–10)
Focuses on simple actions homeowners can take to improve safety at home.
Week 2: Voices of the Built Environment (May 11–17)
Spotlights building safety professionals and the roles they play in keeping communities safe.
Week 3: Prepared to Protect (May 18–24)
Encourages community preparedness and highlights how disaster-resilient building codes protect people and property.
Week 4: Communities Without Limits (May 25–31)
Showcases the importance of accessibility in building construction and design.
Frequently Asked Questions
DPS offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday – Friday) at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor, Wheaton. You do not need an appointment to visit the office.
A design consultation is a voluntary design conference with plan review staff (typically architectural/life safety examiners, unless other disciplines are requested) to discuss preliminary/schematic design drawings for commercial and residential projects prior to preparation of final construction documents (working drawings, specifications, etc.). Design consultations are held virtually, and will connect you directly with local code officials. Remember, this service is free. Visit the DPS queue of online services to schedule your appointment.
The Department of Permitting Services offers several resources for homeowners to assist in understanding the permitting processes, scheduling inspections, making your home environmentally friendly, safer, and accessible for all ages and stages of life. See this webpage for more information: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/homeowners/index.html. Remember, building safety starts at home.
Consider a rewarding career as a code official. Visit the Office of Human Resources webpage for the latest information about job openings with Montgomery County.
Please call MC 311 (240-777-0311) for assistance. The DPS Staff Directory is also posted online to connect you directly with staff.